Sucessful Plug Change

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Nov 11, 2011 | 12:57 AM

PSWP

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Sucessful Plug Change

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9; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> So I figured I would post details of my spark plug change since
everyone else has been posting about them. I have an 06 FX4 Supercrew with 71,000 miles. The2 tanks of gas prior to the plug change include Sea Foam. I drove my truck home from work last night(15 miles), pulled it in the garage and immediately started on the plug change. First I blew all of the dirt and debris off of the motor to prevent anything from falling into the spark plug hole. With the motor still HOT, I pulled all of the plugs out without a problem(no serious binding or squeeking). I did not use penetrating lube, PB Blaster, WD-4, or JB-80. Every plug broke free and came out without a problem. The first turn was easy and when it started to bind up, I would tighten the plug up a quarter turn and then continue it back out. Total time was about 1 ½ hours(I had a few distractions). This is the second plug change I have done without a problem. The first was a few month ago on my brothers 05 Supercrew that had 70,000 miles. With his, we followed the TSB. Plugs were broken free the night before and soaked with PB Blaster over night. The next morning we removed all of them with out a problem. They made a bunch of racket, but all came out with out a problem. In my opinion removing the plugs when the motor is hot without penetrating lubricant is the better approach. I am not too sure what is going wrong with the failed plug changes that I have read about, but it was a normal plug change to me. Has anyone else done the plug change with the motor still hot?

Nov 11, 2011 | 06:50 AM

Jim Allen

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From: On a farm.

Congrats on two successful removals. Last time I checked the odds were about 85 percent against all eight coming out.

The guy that trained me on the plug removal recommends the engine be luke warm. Not cold, not hot. All eight of mine came out too. But I had a secret weapon...

The general consensus among engineering type is that the less carbon in your combustion chamber the better the chance of trouble-free removal, so either run a high detergent Top Tier gas (google "Top Tier" to see which brands are ) or run a couple tanks of gas with a known combustion chamber deposit remover. Chevron Techron is one and Shell V-Power is another. BG 44K too, if it hasn't changed since I checked last. I have no personal experience with any others but a "fuel injector cleaner" won't necessarily do it. It has to say it will remove intake valve and combustion chamber deposits. It's the carbon buildup holing the plug in.

Nov 11, 2011 | 11:05 AM

PSWP

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Thanks. I use Costco gas(87). The thermal properties of the metals are your friend. I will try to post a picture later, but the end portion of the plugs were coated with a rust colored powder. I am going to be helping a friend with his plugs in a few weeks. I plan on removing them with the motor still hot. Maybe this method will help swing the odds in favor of all eight plugs coming out.

Nov 11, 2011 | 12:11 PM

Jim Allen

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: On a farm.

Well, Costco isn't on the latest Top Tier list, but the rusty colored electrode is a sign of a high level of detergent additives in the gas. You used Seafoam, right, so that could be it. I'm not at all familiar with that product at all. Bottom line two for two is pretty good. Maybe you need to head for Vegas!

Nov 11, 2011 | 01:50 PM

Reagan K

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From: socal

X2 on sea foam, I use it quite often

Nov 11, 2011 | 06:03 PM

390XR7

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From: Ontario,Canada

Ya I did mine about 2 months ago,ran sea foam through it about 2 weeks before plug change,but I let my engine sit for 2hrs before goin to town on it.also no plugs broke and all came out without any complaints.

Nov 11, 2011 | 07:07 PM

elrodalonzo

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Well it sure is good to read some success stories instead of the gloom and doom that seems to be the norm. I bought an 04 back in the spring and just got the plugs(Champion) and the Lisle backup tool. I'm off in two weeks for a week so it'll be a good time to have a go at it. Only 65K on the truck but I'd rather get this out of the way and off my mind. I'm going to do the overnight soak with the old standby WD40 and see how it goes. I'm thinking patience is probably your best friend and you can't be in a hurry with this one. I'm also going to buy new boots to install when I'm done. I'll post my results when I"m done.

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Nov 12, 2011 | 08:38 AM

ChrisCarter

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From: Henderson, KY

I have done multiple f150 plug changes, even after the fact I paid to have my plugs changed. The trick is an impact. In fact there is a guy that told me about it, and he learned about the trick from a tech at a ford dealership. Impact will work everytime.

Nov 12, 2011 | 09:33 AM

#10

aquaman

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From: San Jose, CA

All 8 of mine came out with no issues also, but I did it this summer on a cold engine that sat overnight. Most of them squealed all the way out even after being soaked with Kroil. I always use Shell or Chevron gas and I ran 2 20oz bottles of full-strength Techron the week before. There wasn't much buildup, if any, on them except for a small bit on one.

Along the lines of what Jim said, I got confirmation from Chevron that their Techron fuel injector cleaner is a very watered down version of their Techron System Cleaner. One indication of concentration is if it says not to use it more than once per x-miles (because it'll probably thin out the oil or something) versus being ok to use every fillup.

Last I heard, the Costco here gets their supply straight from Valero. Neither are top tier, and I seriously doubt they have much additives in them other than what's mandated. For sure, my truck does not start as easily using costco the few times I used it because I couldn't pass on the price. It's pretty consistent

To be honest, I'm glad that ordeal came through ok. I'm sure I've gained quite a few white hairs worrying about it the few months before I did it. For sure, I'll swap out them out again within 50K. Mine were very worn at 68K, my idle was crappy, and I don't see how they would have made it to the 100K factory spec

Nov 12, 2011 | 11:11 AM

#11

PSWP

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Chris - I have heard the same thing about using the impact. I can see that working, but the back plugs would be interesting.

Aquaman - Glad to hear that others have had success changing out plugs. I have not noticed any issues with using Costco gas. Usually when ever I go on long road trips or tow my trailer I run a tank with Sea Foam. I was actually surprised with the shape and how clean the plugs were at 71K.

Nov 12, 2011 | 11:57 AM

#12

Jim Allen

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: On a farm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisCarter

I hear that but I never see it done anywhere. I can see potential in the idea but given that it takes a mere 35 lbs-ft to break off the tip of a Motorcraft or Autolite, I would have to watch a few before I was comfortable with it. It will never be an issue with me again, since my truck is now running Champs (and has for two years) and will never get a two piece plug of any brand.

Nov 12, 2011 | 02:26 PM

#13

elrodalonzo

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Joined: Aug 2004

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Allen

I would caution against the use of WD40. I don't think it breaks up carbon very well and that's what the spray is supposed to do, soften the carbon.

Jim,
Thanks for the tip I'll get some PB Blaster instead they have that at my local Advance Auto Parts. I can't find any of this AeroKroil in my area.

Nov 12, 2011 | 08:58 PM

#14

aquaman

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From: San Jose, CA

Get your Kroil from Kano Labs directly
Offer code - LATE
$12 for 2 cans shipped. I can't find a better deal than that.

Nov 13, 2011 | 05:58 AM

#15

elrodalonzo

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 136

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Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaman

Get your Kroil from Kano Labs directly
Offer code - LATE
$12 for 2 cans shipped. I can't find a better deal than that.

Thanks aquaman - I ordered it this morning. That is a great deal.

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